Former TV presenter John Noakes has died aged 83

The popular TV presenter - who was the longest-serving host of the children's programme - has passed away after a long battle with Alzheimer's.

A family statement read: "Whilst he will be greatly missed by his wife, family and many friends his release from continuing ill health must be counted as a blessing."

The family also said they hope Noakes - who became synonymous with Shep, the Border Collie dog on 'Blue Peter' - will be remembered for his time on the programme, when he became a household name in the UK.

They said: "His many escapades with his faithful companion Shep, during his time with 'Blue Peter', will live on in many peoples memories. That is how his family would like him remembered."

Noakes sparked concerns two years ago when he went missing near his then-home in Majorca, Spain, which led his wife Vicky to reveal he'd been battling with Alzheimer's for a number of years.

Vicky, who married the TV host in 1965, said: "You learn to live and cope with things. But this is a little different this time and I am concerned because it is the hottest day of the year so far here.

"If he is wandering around, he'll get more confused as he gets more dehydrated."

He eventually returned home, but has since been battling with the disease.

Noakes joined 'Blue Peter' as a presenter in December 1965 and spent more than 12 years on the programme, before he subsequently left to appear in a number of other TV shows and to write a children's book.